Corporate
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U SPORTS announced Thursday the 15th edition of Shoot for the Cure will be held both virtually and in-person for the 2021-22 season – taking place from Jan. 17-30.
Organized since 2007 in collaboration with the U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Coaches' Association, the fundraising initiative raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – and other related local and provincial charities – to help fight breast cancer.
Typically, the initiative culminates with a U SPORTS Final 8 cheque presentation during the Women’s Final 8 championship game. Given the emphasis on player safety and evolving protocols, this year’s fundraiser will feature several online member events and/or in-person initiatives.
Headlining the online programming is a national auction where donors are able to bid to win a pair of limited-edition Shoot for the Cure Allen Iverson-autographed basketball shoes among a plethora of other prizes.
In addition, members will join in promoting the initiative through their digital channels as part of a national marketing campaign for the third consecutive year, in an effort to raise $100,000. U SPORTS will also publish frequent updates of funds raised via social media, showcasing the national progression towards this goal and the cumulative 15-year target of $1.69 Million.
“Shoot For The Cure 2022 will be a bit of a challenge. We were really excited to get back to in-person events to support the annual initiative but have obviously had to pivot quickly from those plans,” said Jeff Speedy, Shoot for the Cure Project Manager, and head coach of the UNB Reds. “However, with this year’s initiative running for two weeks, I know many women’s basketball coaches and athletic departments will get creative and still do a great job raising money and awareness in our ongoing battle with finding a cure for cancer. I am excited for Shoot For The Cure 2022 to kick off on the 17th and look forward to hearing about some great events across the country.”
48 U SPORTS women’s basketball programs across the four conferences are slated to take part, marking a decade of full membership participation. Last year, over $137,000 was raised, topping the goal of $44,000 after shifting to a digital campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donations can be made online via the CCS website, through each member institution’s individual team fundraising page here.
“Breast cancer hasn’t stopped being a life-changing and life-threatening disease during a global health pandemic. The funds raised through Shoot for the Cure are important now more than ever,” said Jane Parsons, Executive Vice President, Community Giving at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Every day, over 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to the tremendous support of Shoot for the Cure volunteers, participants and donors we can continue to fund critical support programs and innovative and impactful breast cancer research to save and improve people’s lives during and long after this pandemic is over.”
For the all-time Shoot for the Cure Donation totals, click here.